Activity Directors Rock!: Activity Directors - Aging Related Vision Problems - APNCC.org AD Credentialling Center - NAPT Activity Certification Class Starts Feb 2nd 2021 Activitydirector.org

Aging Related Vision Problems

There are a number of common aging related eye diseases that may affect visual acuity of our elderly population and thus, make it more challenging for residents to fully participate and engage in facility programs.

It is not unusual for residents to be reserved about admitting that they are dealing with visual problems and equally not unusual for visual problems to develop later after the resident has been admitted to the facility. For this reason, the IDT Interdisciplinary Team members will closely monitor new admissions for developing health issues, whether aging related or other health concerns, that may present either prior to or after admission.

The director of resident programming (Activity Director) is part of that IDT team keeping watchful eyes over our senior population while delivering individualized resident care plans. For this reason, these professionals need to make it a priority to understand the individualized resident’s needs, desires, and overall health status.

Treatment and follow-up for visual difficulties will fall under the clinical team however, as a director of facility programming, you will need to know about visual issues so that you may anticipate and plan for interventions/adaptations to ensure that your resident will not miss out on programs they would otherwise fully enjoy.

Common Eye Conditions

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Floaters
Pink Eye
Retinal Detachment
Refractive Errors
Dry Eye
Glaucoma
Diabetic Retinopathy
Cataracts
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Color Blindness

What is AMD – Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that can blur the sharp, central vision needed for activities like reading and driving. “Age-related” means that it often happens in older people. “Macular” means it affects a part of your eye called the macula.

AMD is a common condition — it’s a leading cause of vision loss for people age 50 and older. AMD doesn’t cause complete blindness, but losing your central vision can make it harder to see faces, drive, or do close-up work like cooking or regular housekeeping duties.

AMD happens very slowly in some people. Even early onset may not cause vision loss for a long time. For other people, AMD progresses faster and can lead to central vision loss in one eye or both eyes.

What are the symptoms of AMD?
As AMD progresses, many people see a blurry area near the center of their vision. Over time, this blurry area may get bigger or may present blank spots. Things may also seem less bright than before. Some people may also notice that straight lines start to look wavy. This can be a warning sign for late AMD. Eye doctors can check for AMD as part of a comprehensive dilated eye exam. The exam is simple and painless — some eye drops are given to dilate (widen) pupils to allow for examination for AMD and other eye problems.

AMD Risk Factors
Early AMD does not consistently present with warning symptoms, so eye exams are crucial to prevent permanent vision loss. Risk for developing AMD will increase with age. Individuals over age 60 are more likely to have AMD. The risk for AMD is also higher for those that:

Have a family history of AMD
Are Caucasian
Smoke

What’s the treatment for AMD?
There’s currently no treatment for early AMD, the individual will be monitored to keep track of any changes during regular eye exams. Eating healthy, regular exercises, and quitting smoking may somewhat contribute towards preventing progression.

Adaptations/Interventions
Special tools can help people with low vision to read, write, and manage daily tasks. These tools include large-print reading materials, magnifying aids, closed-circuit televisions, audio tapes, electronic reading machines, and computers with large print and a talking function.

Offer the resident with visual deficits to sit closer to the subject of interest. Such as white-boards, television screen, exercise group leaders, and BINGO boards, etc.,
Other tips that may help:

Increase/brighten environmental lighting (diminishes shadowing).
Write with bold, black felt-tip markers.
Use paper with bold lines to help write in a straight line.
Use colored tape on the edge of stairs (often reflective tape) to increase visibility and aide in fall prevention.
Install color contrasting switches (dark-colored light switches and electrical outlets against light-colored walls).
Use motion lights that turn on when entering a room. Auto-on lights in any room will prevent falls and increase “infection control” prevention because it keeps residents from touching these receptacles throughout the day.
Offer large-print items such as books and directional signs as well as cell phones and clocks.

Source:

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-and-your-eyes?utm_source=nia-mailchimp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=healthyaging-20210118
https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration

Have a topic request or question for Celeste? Send them over to celestechase@activitydirector.org

Activity Directors Network was founded in 1996 on the idea that we could help create elderly care that dramatically improved the lives of those we all serve. We envision facilities that feel like homes and that celebrate our resident’s individuality and allows them to live with dignity, purpose and joy. We believe the exchange of education and wisdom between the most talented teachers and passionate students is the way to make an impact. Each and every single one of you are the revolution that is changing everything. Thanks for being a part of The Network.